YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County

10/09/2026

We love our media partners!

Tennis legend Venus Williams made a special appearance at the YWCA’s Empowering Women Luncheon, which marked its 20th year on Wednesday.

10/09/2026

We love our media partners!

Tennis legend Venus Williams headlined the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County's 20th annual Empowering Women Luncheon.

10/08/2026

In case you missed it!!!

10/08/2026

Yesterday, we welcomed Venus Williams to Rochester. We also welcomed 1,500 friends.

We are grateful beyond words. Our 20th Empowering Women Luncheon was the most successful in our history, and what a fitting way to celebrate twenty years!

Venus spoke about starting over, finding your place in spaces where you may not feel you belong, and the women in her family who inspire her. One line has stayed with us:

“Life is so much better when we give.”

If you were in the room, THANK YOU.
If you made a gift, THANK YOU.
If you told a friend about the YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County, THANK YOU.

Most of all, thank you for being part of our YW community. We can’t wait to welcome you back.

If Venus inspired you, there’s still time to give. Gifts made before noon on Friday count toward our goals!

👉 https://ywcarochester.ejoinme.org/ewl26donate

10/03/2026

It's official: the 20th Annual Empowering Women Luncheon is SOLD OUT! 🎾

To our 1,500+ supporters, thank you. Twenty years in, you've filled the room for Venus Williams and for the women and families of Rochester and Monroe County. We can't wait to see you Wednesday!

Can't be there? Every gift made now is matched 2:1 by the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation: ywcarochester.org/ways-to-give

10/03/2026

Today, we’re excited to be a part of the Annual Health & Resource Fair at Genesee Baptist Church, 149 Brooks Avenue, Rochester, NY 14619!

We’re here sharing information about the many programs, services, and resources available through the YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County to support women and families in our community.

Our programs and opportunities include Rapid Rehousing, Health Homes, Emergency Housing, SteppingStone, Long-Term Housing, Volunteer Opportunities, Adopt-a-Family, and our Annual Empowering Women Luncheon.

🧡 Let’s Connect!
If you’re interested in volunteering or would like to partner and collaborate with us to make a difference in our community, please contact Thea, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator, at [email protected].

Together, we can strengthen our community and make an impact!

09/30/2026

😬We are down to the last few seats.

On Wednesday, October 7, Venus Williams takes the stage at our 20th Annual Empowering Women Luncheon, and the room is almost full.

This year feels different. Twenty years of our community showing up for women and families in Rochester and Monroe County, all in one room. If you have been meaning to get your seat, this is the moment. Once they're gone, they're gone.

Reserve yours: https://www.ywcarochester.org/empowering-women-luncheon

Wednesday, October 7 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center

09/16/2026

Twenty years. One room. A remarkable list of women.

From Dr. Mae Jemison in 2007 to Venus Williams this October, every Empowering Women Luncheon guest has told a story that connects to the work we do every day. Our new blog post brings all of them together for the first time.

It also tells the part you do not always see. In 2020 and 2021, the luncheon paused. Emergency Housing did not.

Every lunch hour in that room helps provide safe housing, support services, a caseworker who keeps showing up, and so much more.

Take a few minutes with this one. If your business or organization wants to stand behind year twenty, sponsorships are still open:https://ywcarochester.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2026EmpoweringWomenLuncheon/BecomeaSponsor/tabid/1585965/Default.aspx

Read the full story: https://www.ywcarochester.org/ywca-rochester-blog/twenty-years-in-one-room

09/09/2026

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating equity, empowerment, and the work of eliminating racism and empowering women right here in our community. Every seat supports that mission.

🎟️ Tickets start at $100, with VIP and a book-signing + photo op available.🎾
👉 https://ywcarochester.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2026EmpoweringWomenLuncheon/PurchaseTickets/tabid/1585966/Default.aspx?utm_source=Facebook%2520and%2520Linkedin&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=Venus%2520Williams Reserve yours now

Know someone who wouldn't want to miss this? Tag them below and share this post.

09/07/2026

Four weeks from tomorrow, a thousand people will fill one room in downtown Rochester.

Our President and CEO, Dr. Myra Henry, stopped by Good Day Rochester last week to share what makes this year's Empowering Women Luncheon different. It is the 20th. And Venus Williams is our keynote.

Wednesday, October 7 · Noon to 1:30 p.m. Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center Serving Strength. Building Futures.

Watch Dr. Henry's interview below, then come sit with us. Tickets and tables: ywcarochester.org/empowering-women-luncheon

Watch the interview: https://foxrochester.com/news/good-day-rochester/venus-williams-to-headline-ywcas-20th-annual-empowering-women-luncheon